Vet Appointments

[wwarffemius]

I'm thinking about getting a Fila and i was wondering how do you all work out visits to the vet? Do you start taking them to your vet to meet and get to know them early? If so how often?

 

[angelbears]

I'm making an assumption that you already know a lot about the Fila temperament, if not I suggest you read more than one breeders website or a couple of threads.

As far as how often to visit, as often as you can. We went once a week at least. Usually, we just went in and weighed and let him see the staff.

Even in doing this Cane still had a couple of Vet Techs that he would not tolerate and would react badly to. Also, don't forget the people in the lobby waiting with their pets will most always be a different group. Another problem we had is that the staff changed quite frequently.

 

[wwarffemius]

Yes i have read tons on Filas and have been wanting one for a some time but the time just wasn't right until recently. thats what i figured was the best way. I did something simuler when i had my Presa.

 

[Winterspring]

Can we assume that muzzles are a good idea when visiting the vet, too?

 

[girldogue]

#1 - socialize and train your fila from an early age so they have leash manners and listen to you.
#2 - get them used to wearing a muzzle so when you do take them to the vet the dog does not spaz out - I cannot tell you how many morons I have seen in my office over the years whose dogs " would not let them " put muzzles on - Give me a break - train your damn dogs. I have had people tell me that their dog will bite them if they try and muzzle it - sad but true.

 

[Winterspring]

Assumption confirmed.

Thank you!

I always thought people were going to get mean and say, "If you train your dog correctly, you don't NEED a muzzle! They're cruel!" if I wanted to muzzle my dog. It seems with this breed, at least, other Mastiff owners and particularly Fila owners say, "For the love of all that's holy, put a muzzle on that thing!" (It's a rather nice change of pace. Usually people are telling that to my boyfriend about ME.) Very nice to have a pro saying to do it.

 

[ruthcatrin]

I've started training both my dogs to wear muzzles. They're a fairly basic piece of safety equipment, fitted properly they don't harm the dog, and they ensure that who-ever has to handle the dog is much less likely to get hurt. If there was ever an emergency where whoever was handling them felt safer with a muzzle both dogs understand what they are and are less likely to freak out over this THING on their face....

I just got pissed when the vet didn't bother to tell me that they felt one of the dogs would likely NEED a muzzle for future vet visits (no, I'm sorry "didn't handle restraint well" doesn't tell me you didn't feel safe, sorry), but thats a different gripe.....

Mind, there are folks who assume muzzle = vicious. Though with a dog like a Fila that sort of reaction isn't nessecarly a bad thing. But just be aware that by putting a muzzle on the dog you WILL get that from more than one person.

 

[angelbears]

I agree about the muzzle! Ideally, though, if you can and usually not possible with a Fila, you would like for your dog to be able to be examined with out one. If you have issues within the mouth or chin area the muzzle prevents the vet from getting a good look. It's a problem we had. However, like girldogue said you should be able to put one on your dog very quickly and without a fight.

 

[DennasMom]

So... even if you have a social butterfly of an EM... would getting her fit and used to a muzzle be something you'd recommend?
I hadn't even thought of it, but I can see there may be some emergency situations where it would be a good tool in the toolbox.

 

[ruthcatrin]

I can't see any harm in it, and the potential for it to be a usefull skill in a bad situation.

 

[musicdeb]

I'm glad that I have a muzzle for Titan. We only use it for vet visits and if we're going to an environment that would warrant a muzzle. For example, an area with lots of people or dogs such as a pet event or busy park.

For our regular daily walks at the park, a muzzle is not necessary.